Also spelled Myrmidons, the Myrmidones ("ant-people") were the inhabitants of the island of Aegina, created by a Zeus in response to a prayer from his son, Aeacus, the king of the area, distraught over the mass death of his populace due to a plague. They later took part in the Trojan War, fighting on the side of Achilles, Aeacus' grandson.
No longer stay, but come with me,
And mingle in the dance and song.
DAMON.
thou.html">thou.html">Thou'rt welcome, friend! but suffer me to roam
Where these old beeches hide me from man's view:
Love as thy portion thou mayst claim
But homage thou must share with all, believe me!
When their voices thousands raise,
Heart and ear in pleasure vie;
Forcibly they'll bear thee high.
[The Chorus gradually approaches, from the distance.]
DAMON.
Distant strains are hither wending,
And I'm gladden'd by the throng;
Yes, they come; their course they're bending
Tow'rd the wood's green sward so bright.
CHORUS.
As the hours their race are ending
On this day of blest delight.
ALL.
Let none reveal
The aims we own!
She'll prove it right
Includes the bliss
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to music by Winter, the Prince singing the part of Rinaldo.--See
And with zeal your prowess mark!
O'er the sea we thus career.
RINALDO.
'Tis heaven's decree, I may not hence away.
Hold me a prisoner, and my flight delay.
Ye were so fair, but now that dream.html">dream is o'er;
What keeps me in this spot so terror-fraught?
My only joy is fled for evermore.
Let me taste those days so sweet,
Heav'n-descended, once again!
All with rosy fragrance teeming,
As in dream thou saw'st it ne'er.
And this spacious garden round,
Far extend the galleries;
While the turtle-dove is calling,
And the nightingale replies.
CHORUS.
Gently come! feel no alarm,
On a noble duty bent;
Friendly words and greetings calm
Wat'ry flakes and jets are falling,
.
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